It’s The Road Trip Of A Lifetime, But How Do You Stay Safe?

Your bags are packed, the car is full, and you’re ready to get behind the wheel. There is nothing like hitting the open road and exploring the sights the world has to offer. From India through Southeast Asia and Australia, the freedom of hitting the highways is exhilarating. Plus, the gust of wind blowing through your hair is cool. But, a road trip isn’t all positives because there are safety issues. After all, you are going to be driving a two-ton piece of metal around foreign streets. Staying stay is a priority, and here’s how to make it happen.

Go For A Tune-Up

Not you; the car! Your vehicle is going to be the life and soul of the trip. Without it, there is no road trip. So, the last thing you want to happen is for it to break down. Not only will it ruin the journey, but it might also put you in danger. When the brakes don’t work, the driver is at the mercy of the Universe. For peace of mind, head to a reliable mechanic to make sure everything is working under the hood. And, remember that fluid levels and tire pressures are your responsibility.

Start Studying

One of the main reasons people crash is because they don’t know the roads. The effect doubles when you are in a foreign country with completely different rules. By revising the laws of the road, it will help you avoid any potential incidents. For example, Britain and India drive on the left-hand side, yet the majority of countries drive on the right. America even lets cars turn right on a red light, although it depends on the state. Just mentally memorizing the roads on Google Maps can come in handy when you go live.

Holliday Karatinos Law Firm points out there are millions of car accidents each year. Freakonomics says that an extra thousand pounds in weight make car fatalities 47% more likely. These aren’t scary and depressing statistics meant to shock you into action – they share a link. Experts believe that the heavier the car, the higher the odds of an accident. The reasons range from sluggish handling to slower breaking, but the kicker is the driver. Because the car doesn’t respond the same, drivers don’t realize the vehicle’s reaction isn’t the same and crash as a result. Either keep the weight down or drive more carefully.

Get Some Sleep

Another killer is a lack of sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reckon tens of thousands of crashes are a result of drowsy drivers. And, it isn’t hard to see why when your eyes aren’t on the road and your reaction times are slower. Yep, the night before is an exciting and busy time. Still, there has to be a time when you lay in bed and try and drift off to sleep. Anyone who is tired and fatigued the day of the trip is a danger if they are behind the wheel.

Don’t let the trip of a lifetime turn into a nightmare because of safety issues.

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Sanwal - Young Entrepreneur & Daydreamer. Working towards making the HatchByte group among the top online media publication in India.